We are so excited that we were able to visit the Ice Castles here in Utah again. The Midway Ice Castles have moved locations and are at the Homestead Resort in Midway, and tickets are on sale now. You can use the code USFamily17 for 15% off your admission at the Ice Castles site, and you do need advance reservations to visit the Ice Castles.

Here we are getting ready to explore the Ice Castles!

We had a wonderful time at the Ice Castles this year. The grounds seemed much larger and could accommodate the large crowds better. Some years we have had to wait in huge lines even to get into the Ice Castles, but this year we walked right in and the longest line we had was about 20 minutes for the big slide (which was worth it). We didn't feel too crowded, and we were glad we stayed away from the later night times because that is when most people like to visit. Besides, we love to come in the late afternoon so we can explore in the light, but be there when the lights start to come on.

The Ice Castle seemed much larger with more open space, so it didn't seem as crowded.

We love looking at all the different formations made from ice.

Keep an eye out for the workers. They are the magic makers of the Ice Castle.[/caption] There were quite a few things to see this year. The smaller slides were really fun because they were built in tunnels. Our kids loved this, and even Mom and Dad squeezed through the small tunnels to slide down. There was also a fountain in the middle that was especially beautiful all lit up. There were tons of archways and places to sit for pictures. We loved looking at all the icicles and admiring the work that it takes to create such a magical place.

There are tons of fun places to take pictures.

It's fun standing in the archways right under the huge icicles.

This is the larger tunnel slide. The boys went down this one a few times.

This is one of the smaller tunnel slides. There are two of them, and our boys went down them at least a dozen times.

Mom squeezed through once.

We always crawl through all the openings and explore the entire Ice Castle.[/caption] The big slide was a lot of fun, but you have to wait in line. While you wait in line there is a small area where you can climb up and get an overview of the entire castle. Make sure to leave at least one of your party in line before going up to explore. Before you can get on the slide, there is also a small door to crawl through, and then you can go down the double slide. Before you get there, know that there are no lap riders, though.

There is a great view on the way up to the big slide.

You can also get close to the top of the Ice Castle while waiting in line for the slide.

The mats help you zip down the slide!

Once the lights kick on, the place has an entirely different feel. This year there is also music playing inside the castle, and the lights seem to shift with the music. We love seeing the different colors, and watching how the ice castles change when the sun goes down. Seeing the ice castles during the day is definitely different than after dark.

This large ice sculpture was beautiful all lit up!

The fountain is really fun to see in the night time lights.

Our boys love seeing all the different colors that pop up in the ice.

The Ice Castle looks completely different in the dark. We love seeing it in both lights.

We loved playing in the Midway Ice Castles.

You can check out our post from 2016 and 2014 to see the different ice formations that have been created. We also have some tips about what to wear and bring. After wandering around we are always hungry, so we love to head into Heber for dinner at the Dairy Keen.